Golf training and practice aid that is designed for chipping, pitching, and full shots

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are directed to a golf training/practice aid designed for chipping, pitching, and taking full shots. The golf aid is comprised of a frame and a plurality of windows defined within the frame. The windows form a grid, each of the windows acting as a target for a particular golf shot. The golfer may repeatedly hit various shots at the golf aid (for example, high shot, medium shot, low shot, cut shot, straight shot, draw shot). The golfer may repeat the shots multiple times, thereby learning the trajectory of the club being used and how various changes to the club head and approach position impacts the overall shot being attempted. Additionally, the golfer may also observe how the ball behaves once it strikes the ground. Thus, by repeatedly hitting at the golf aid, the golfer is able to visualize the overall performance and behavior of the golf ball.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/148,343 filed Apr. 16, 2015 and 62/183,375 filed Jun. 23, 2015, both entitled “A Golf Training and Practice Aid that is Designed for Chipping, Pitching and Full Shots,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many golfers strive to improve their performance through repeated practice of various golf swings and shots. In pursuit of this goal, many golfers practice at a driving range or other similar location where distance markers are placed at set distances from a predetermined hitting spot. For example, a driving range can include various indicators marking distances from 50 yards to 350 yards, marked in 50 yard increments. A golfer may repeatedly hit golf balls from the predetermined hitting spot and watch the distance of each shot, thereby determining an average distance hit for each club the golfer carries.

Similarly, a golfer may utilize a golf simulator for practicing various golf shots. Typically, a simulator has a computer generated and displayed scene projected on a resilient screen intended to absorb the impact of a struck golf ball. Various sensors and cameras, working in concert with simulation software, can measure the speed, trajectory, and spin of the ball as it strikes the screen. Based upon the measured information, the simulation software can estimate a travel path for the ball, and the computer generated screen is updated accordingly, thereby displaying the simulated golf shot.

Existing techniques for golf practice typically focus on mastering distance and direction for longer shots. However, this is only a portion of the total game. Generally, chip and pitch shots account for more shots during a round of golf than driving or full distance shots. As a result, existing practice techniques, including hitting at a driving range and playing a simulated round of golf, do not provide focused, repeated practice for hitting chip and pitch shots, or for repeatedly practicing accuracy on full shots using shorted clubs such as irons and wedges.

Additionally, a golf instructor may instruct a golfer to visualize a shot, but there are no tools to aid the golfer in visualizing an aiming point, or to better understand the trajectory of a shot as well as the speed and direction with which a ball may hit the ground.

Thus, a golf training aid to overcome the noted golf practice deficiencies is desired.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a golf training and practice aid that is designed for chipping, pitching, and taking full shots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate various views of a golf training aid, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate various views of using the golf training aid of FIGS. 1A and 1B to practice golf shots when the golf training aid is in a vertical position, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate various views of using the golf training aid of FIGS. 1A and 1B to practice golf shots when the golf training aid is in a horizontal position, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.”

The present disclosure is directed to a golf training and practice aid that is designed for chipping, pitching and taking full shots. The golf aid as described herein is designed and implemented to assist in understanding ball trajectory and to assist a golfer in visualizing shots prior to striking the ball.

When training, golfers typically struggle to visualize shots, not only around the green (e.g., chipping or pitching) but also when taking a full shot. They also struggle with practicing such shots as there is little reward to repeatedly practicing chip or pitch shots. The golf aid as described herein provides a novel and enjoyable way to learn trajectory control while teaching a golfer to picture a shot while having nearly immediate visual feedback.

FIG. 1A illustrates a sample embodiment of the golf aid 100 as described herein. As shown in FIG. 1A, the golf aid 100 may include a frame 102 that is configured such that a number of windows 102 are defined therein. Based upon the design and implementation of the golf aid 100, the number and size of the windows 104 may vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, there may be nine total windows 104 arranged in a 3×3 grid. However, this arrangement is shown by way of example only and may be altered based upon implementation of the golf aid 100.

Similarly, the number of windows 104 may be selected to correspond to the number of golf shots being worked on by a particular golfer. For example, a golfer may want to practice low shots, medium height shots, and high shots (e.g., three rows of windows). Additionally, the golfer may want to practice cut shots, straight shots, and draw shots (e.g., three columns of windows). Thus, the 3×3 grid as shown in FIG. 1A provides for a practice environment where any combination of low, medium, and high shots can be combined with cut, straight, and draw shots. However, an alternative embodiment may include a single grouping of three windows such that the golfer can arrange the golf aid 100 vertically (to practice height control) or horizontally (to practice directional control). Similarly, an alternative embodiment may include a 5×3 grid (having 5 vertical columns and 3 horizontal rows), thereby providing additional directional targets.

Additionally, the size of the individual windows 104 may be selected based upon the skill level of the golfer. For example, if the window size is too big, the golfer may not be suitably challenged. Conversely, if the window size is too small, the golfer may become frustrated and quit using the golf aid 100. In an embodiment, the windows 104 may be sized approximately 2 feet by 2 feet square, thereby resulting in a 6 feet by 6 feet square frame 102. However, it should be noted that this sizing is provided by way of example only. Similarly, the windows 104 are shown and described as being square by way of example only.

In another example, the windows 104 (and, as a result, the frame 102) may be configured and constructed such that the size is changeable. For example, the frame 102 may include one or more sliding components such that an overall size of a side of the frame may be altered. Thus, the sizes of the windows 104 may be changed similarly, as the size of the frame 102 is increased so is the size of individual windows 104.

Additionally, the golf aid 100 may include adjustable legs 106 configured to be raised or lowered, thereby changing the angle of the golf aid 100 accordingly. For example, the legs 106 may be positioned such that the frame 102 and the windows 104 are essentially or substantially perpendicular to the ground. Alternatively, the legs 106 may be positioned such that the frame 102 and the windows 104 are at a 45° angle to the ground. In yet another implementation, the legs may be positioned essentially or substantially parallel to the frame 102 and the windows 104 such that the golf aid 100 is placed flat on the ground (or, if the ground is sloped, such that the golf aid is lying on the ground).

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the golf aid 100, showing legs 106 positioned such that the outer frame 102 and windows 104 are tilted slightly back. However, as noted above, the position of the legs may be altered, thereby changing the angle of the frame 102 and the windows 104.

FIG. 2A illustrates a sample down the line view of a player 200 using the golf aid 100. For example, the golf aid 100 may be placed in a vertical orientation to the ground, a particular distance from the golfer 200. The golfer 200 may then repeatedly hit various shots at the golf aid 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the golfer 200 may hit a low cut shot 202, a low straight shot 204, and a low draw shot 206. The golfer 200 may repeat the shots multiple times, thereby learning the trajectory of the club being used and how various changes to the club head and approach position impacts the overall shot being attempted.

Additionally, to increase the enjoyment of the golfer 200, various scores may be assigned to the individual windows of the golf aid 100. For example, for each intended shot, the golfer 200 may get 10 points (i.e., if the golfer hits the ball into the window they are aiming for). If the golfer 200 hits the ball into a neighboring window, the golfer may get a reduced score (e.g., 5 points). And for each missed shot, the golfer may get zero points. However, it should be noted that such a scoring technique is shown by way of example only, and may be implemented based upon the intended use of the golf aid as described herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates a sample side view of the player 200 using the golf aid 100. Like FIG. 2A, the golf aid 100 may be placed in a vertical orientation to the ground, a particular distance from the golfer 200. The golfer 200 may then repeatedly hit various shots at the golf aid 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the golfer 200 may hit a high shot 210, a medium height shot 212, and a low shot 214. As before, the golfer 200 may repeat the shots multiple times, thereby learning the trajectory of the club being used and how various changes to the club head and approach position impacts the overall shot being attempted.

Additionally, when hitting at the golf aid as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the golfer 200 may also observe how the ball behaves once it strikes the ground. For example, the golfer 200 may observe the bounce and roll of the golf ball, and how this differs based upon what club has been used and what type of shot was taken. Thus, by repeatedly hitting at the golf aid 100, the golfer 200 may be able to visualize the overall performance and behavior of the golf ball from the moment the club strikes the ball until the ball comes to a complete stop.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a sample embodiment where the golfer 200 uses the golf aid 100 when it is placed flat or essentially or substantially horizontal on the ground (or, as described above, essentially parallel to the ground if the ground is sloped). For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the golfer 200 may hit a close shot 300, a medium distance shot 302, and a far shot 304. By hitting each type of shot, and watching the behavior of the ball after hitting the ground (e.g., the bounce, spin and roll of the ball), the golfer 200 may learn to determine how a ball will behave when hit with a particular club and using a particular shot (e.g., a short draw).

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3B, the golfer 200 may utilize the golf aid 100 to practice a cut shot 310, a straight shot 312, and a draw shot 314. Like above, by hitting various types of shots, and watching the behavior of the ball after hitting the ground (e.g., the bounce, spin and roll of the ball), the golfer 200 may learn to determine how a ball will behave when hit with a particular club and using a particular shot (e.g., a short draw).

Thus, the golf aid as described herein provides for a way to practice pitch, chip, and full shots while using a repeatable method and apparatus, thereby reinforcing a teaching of ball trajectory and behavior in a golfer practicing with the golf aid. Such a repeating of outcomes helps to reinforce and teach a golfer to anticipate expected behavior when playing a full round of golf without the use of golf aids or other assistance devices. Additionally, by creating a uniform and repeatable practice environment, the golf aid as described herein provides for an entertaining and potentially competitive training device (e.g., through use of shot scoring) that further encourages a golfer to practice appropriate shots.

The golf aid as described herein may be manufactured from a strong yet lightweight material that is rugged enough to handle impacts from golf balls while still being light enough for easy transport and set-up/take-down. For example, the golf aid may be constructed from plastic such as PVC, metals such as aluminum, composite materials such as carbon fiber and graphite, and other similar materials. Additionally, the frame of the golf aid may be designed such that at least some portion of the frame and/or windows collapses or otherwise folds, thereby allowing for easy set-up and take-down of the golf aid.

The particular size of the internal structural components of the golf aid may vary based upon the type of material used as well. However, the size of the internal structural components (e.g., the frame pieces and the pieces of the golf aid defining the windows) may be sized such that they minimally interfere with the behavior of the golf ball. For example, when the golf aid is placed flat on the ground, the golfer may want to determine both where a ball lands when hit in a particular manner as well as what the ball does after hitting the ground (e.g., how the ball bounces and rolls). By minimizing the overall thickness of the structural components, the golf aid may be constructed such that any impact on the behavior of the golf ball after landing is minimized.

Additional factors and input may impact how the golf aid as described herein is utilized. For example, based upon the strength and hitting power of a particular golfer, the exact placement of the golf aid may be indicated via a table or other similar data structure. For example, as shown in sample Table 1 below, the distance between the golfer and the golf aid may vary based upon which club is being used.

TABLE 1 CLUB DISTANCE TO GOLF AID Pitching Wedge 7 feet Nine Iron 8 Feet Eight Iron 9 Feet Seven Iron 10 Feet Six Iron 12 Feet Five Iron 14 Feet Four Iron 15 Feet Three Iron 17 Feet

Accurately measuring the distance between the golfer and the golf aid may also help to visualize to a golfer whether they are properly hitting with a specific club. For example, a clean, center hit with a nine iron may launch a ball at 30°. Thus, by placing the golf aid at 8 feet (as indicated in Table 1), the golfer may accurately gauge the launch angle of the club being used. For example, if the golf ball flies over the top of the golf aid, the golfer may determine that the launch angle is too high and, thus, they are not striking the ball properly.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A golf aid comprising: a frame; a plurality of windows defined within the frame, the plurality of windows forming a grid, each of the plurality of windows acting as a target for a particular golf shot; wherein the grid forms a practice environment for practicing a plurality of golf shots, allowing a golfer to hit one or more of the plurality of golf shots through respective ones of the plurality of windows.
 2. The golf aid of claim 1, wherein the grid is comprised of a plurality of rows of windows, each row corresponding to a height of a golf shot.
 3. The golf aid of claim 1, wherein the grid is comprised of a plurality of columns of windows, each column corresponding to one of a cut shot, a straight shot, or a draw shot.
 4. The golf aid of claim 1, wherein the grid is comprised of a plurality of rows of windows and a plurality of columns of windows, each row corresponding to a height of a golf shot and each column corresponding to one of a cut shot, a straight shot, or a draw shot.
 5. The golf aid of claim 4, wherein the grid is comprised of three rows of windows and three columns of windows, each window in a square shape.
 6. The golf aid of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises one or more sliding components configured to adjust a size of a respective side of the frame.
 7. The golf aid of claim 1, further comprising: adjustable legs connected to the frame, the adjustable legs configured to be raised or lowered to change an angle of the frame with respect to the golfer.
 8. The golf aid of claim 7, wherein the adjustable legs are adjustable to position the frame in a range of positions ranging from substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the frame rests to substantially parallel to the surface on which the frame rests.
 9. The golf aid of claim 1, wherein one or more portions of one or more of the frame and the windows are collapsible.
 10. A method of using a golf aid for golf training, the method comprising: placing the golf aid at a desired location on a surface, the golf aid comprising a frame and plurality of windows defined within the frame, the plurality of windows forming a grid; and hitting a plurality of golf shots aimed at the golf aid, each of the plurality of golf shots aimed at a particular window to practice a respective particular golf shot, wherein the particular window acts as a target for the respective particular golf shot.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting a vertical orientation of the frame with respect to the surface on which the golf aid is placed, the adjusting accomplished by adjusting adjustable legs connected to the frame, the adjustable legs configured to be raised or lowered to change the vertical orientation of the frame with respect to a golfer. 